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What Is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Why Does It Matter?

Whether you're familiar with the concept or just starting to explore it, this guide breaks down what Extended Producer Responsibility is, where in the United States it's gaining traction, why it matters, and how tools like Green Business Benchmark can help companies meet these evolving requirements.

Green Business Benchmark°

Published

August 13, 2025

last updated

August 13, 2025

Read time

Min

What Is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Why Does It Matter?

In this article

Waste is a large, complex, and growing problem ripe for sustainability improvement. In the US, containers and packaging make up 28.1% of municipal solid waste, amounting to 82.2 million tons of generation in 2018. This significant contribution to waste highlights an urgent need for systemic solutions to address the growing environmental impact of packaging materials.

This is why many states across the US have passed or are in the process of voting on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws - transferring the responsibility for managing a product's end-of-life from consumers and local governments to the producers themselves.

Whether you're familiar with the concept or just starting to explore it, this guide breaks down what EPR is, where in the United States it's gaining traction, why it matters, and how tools like Green Business Benchmark can help companies meet these evolving requirements.

What Is Extended Producer Responsibility?

At its core, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy approach designed to reduce waste and promote environmental responsibility. Producers of goods are held accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, particularly their post-consumer phase. This means companies are responsible for managing the disposal, recycling, or reusability of their products and packaging.

EPR often involves financial obligations or operational responsibilities, encouraging companies to design more sustainable products and reduce the overall environmental impact of their offerings. It shifts the burden of waste management from consumers and governments to the corporations that produce the goods, promoting a circular economy - where materials are reused and recycled rather than disposed of.

Where Is EPR Being Implemented?

While EPR programs have been embraced globally, including in countries like Canada and Germany, they’re gaining significant traction in the United States. A growing number of states are adopting EPR packaging legislation or actively exploring it.

Some of the key states where EPR policies are relevant or being implemented include:

Oregon
California
Colorado
Maine
Maryland
Minnesota
Washington

Several other states, including Illinois, New York, and Massachusetts, are exploring similar policies, signaling that EPR could soon become a nationwide movement.

For more information on key deadlines, specific compliance requirements by state, and to see whether your business meets the reporting criteria, see the latest article covering all things EPR from our sister company Clearyst Advisory.

Why Does EPR Matter for Companies?

For businesses, EPR is both a challenge and an opportunity. Here’s why it matters:

1. Regulatory Compliance

Companies operating in states with EPR laws must adhere to specific guidelines around recycling, waste management, or take-back programs. Failing to comply isn’t just bad for the environmental, it can also lead to fines and reputational damage.

2. Sustainability Goals

Many organizations have set ambitious sustainability benchmarks. EPR pushes companies to rethink their packaging and design choices, aligning them with these goals while reducing their carbon footprint.

3. Consumer Expectations

Sustainability is a priority for modern consumers. Adopting sustainable practices and transparent waste management plans allows companies to build brand loyalty and attract customers.

4. Cost Management

While EPR introduces new financial responsibilities, it can also reduce long-term costs through innovation. For instance, investing in reusable or biodegradable materials could lead to savings over time as annual producer fee obligations for virgin materials increase.

How Green Business Benchmark Can Help

Navigating EPR regulations and implementing sustainable packaging solutions can be overwhelming, but this is where Green Business Benchmark steps in. Here’s how it can support your business:

Organization and Tracking

Green Business Benchmark provides tools to help companies stay on top of EPR requirements and other sustainability initiatives across locations. With legislation varying widely, it’s crucial to stay organized.

Customizable Action Plans

The platform offers tailored guidance to help companies design and execute strategies for reducing waste, adopting sustainable materials, and meeting compliance goals.

Data-Driven Insights

Gain access to metrics and analytics that show your progress in real-time. These insights help businesses measure their impact and make informed decisions.

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Moving Towards Circularity

Extended Producer Responsibility goes well beyond just policy - it’s a call to action for companies to rethink their environmental impact. In taking steps to meet these obligations, businesses can ensure compliance with regulations and lead the way in sustainability. Tools like Green Business Benchmark ensure that companies have the resources and structure they need to thrive in this new era of accountability. After all, sustainability is an opportunity to innovate, inspire, and make a difference.

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